Background

Current transportation systems are increasingly clogged and polluting, with city centres and urban areas frequently overcrowded with conventionally-powered public transport, delivery lorries (trucks), and privately owned vehicles. These conditions are detrimental to the economy and the environment, in particular with regard to particulate pollution and climate change.

These problems may be alleviated to some extent by the use of small, short-range, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. Such aircraft may be electrically-powered, or comprise hybrid power systems which combine different energy sources, and are therefore more “eco-friendly” than conventional fossil-fuelled aircraft.

Such aircraft may be used for transportation of goods. Transportation of relatively small- scale cargo shipments by small, short-range, vertical take-off and landing aircraft may benefit from associated ground infrastructure in urban environments giving the ability to reach large populations rapidly.

The present disclosure aims to address this infrastructure need in an efficient, flexible, robust, and cost-effective manner.

Summary

Against this background, there is provided an aerodrome structure comprising: a plurality of modules including a plurality of lift structure modules, each lift structure module of the plurality of lift structure modules comprising: an upstanding structure; a platform located within the upstanding structure; a lift mechanism configured to raise and lower the platform between an upper level and one or more lower levels; and wherein the platform provides a take-off and landing pad for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft when the platform is at the upper level; the aerodrome structure further comprising: a cargo transit apparatus configured to transfer cargo within the aerodrome structure.

In this way, infrastructure is provided for receiving and sending VTOL aircraft, and for processing their cargo, in a manner that is adapted to and configurable for a wide variety of settings, such as densely developed urban environments where space is at a premium. Furthermore, increased delivery speed relative to conventional on-road deliveries and larger volumes of cargo can be handled.

Optionally, the cargo transit apparatus is configured to transfer cargo between the plurality of lift structure modules.

In this way, cargo may be easily transferred between vertical take-off and landing aircraft.

Optionally, the plurality of modules together form a tessellated structure.

In this way, a significant degree of flexibility is facilitated by arranging the modules in different configurations and rotational positions whilst providing a uninterrupted aerodrome structure.

Optionally, the one or more levels comprise a first lower level in which the platform cooperates with one or more of: a first level of the cargo transit apparatus; an electric charger for an aircraft; a battery exchange facility; and a hydrogen refuelling facility.

In this way, VTOL aircraft that make use of the aerodrome structure can receive energy in the form of electrical power or hydrogen fuel for onward flight.

Optionally, each lift structure module further comprises: a second lower level in which the platform cooperates with a second level of the cargo transit apparatus. In this way, multiple routes for the passage of cargo between the lift structure and the cargo transit apparatus is provided, which allows for passage of multiple cargo on different simultaneously (and/or redundancy).

Optionally, the plurality of modules further comprises: one or more cargo modules comprising at least a part of the cargo transit apparatus.

In this way, at least some of the cargo transit apparatus may be accommodated remote from the lift structure module.

Optionally, the upstanding structure of each of the plurality of lift structure modules has a circular cross sectional shape and the platform of each of the plurality of lift structure modules has a corresponding circular shape.

In this way, the platform may be freely rotated whilst being accommodated in the upstanding structure.

Optionally, an exterior of each of the plurality of lift structure modules has a square cross sectional shape outside the upstanding structure.

Optionally, the square cross sectional shape has an elongate axis that is coaxial with an elongate axis of the upstanding structure.

Optionally, each cargo module has a square cross sectional shape of the same dimensions as the square cross sectional shape of each of the lift structure modules.

Optionally, the aerodrome assembly further comprises an access port on an exterior of the aerodrome assembly.

In this way, a consumer or operator may obtain access to cargo.

Optionally, the aerodrome assembly further comprises a locker, wherein the access port provides access to the locker. Optionally , the locker is one of a plurality of lockers each of which is associated with one or more access ports on an exterior of the aerodrome assembly.

Optionally, each locker has: an outer aperture facilitating access to the locker from an exterior fagade of the aerodrome assembly; and an inner aperture facilitating access between the locker and the cargo transit assembly.

Optionally, the aerodrome assembly comprises a carousel whereby the carousel is configured to rotate between a first position in which a first location on the carousel is aligned with the access port and a second position in which the first location on the carousel is aligned with an interior volume of the cargo module.

In this way, more than one piece of cargo may be accessed (potentially at different times) using a single access port.

Optionally, the carousel comprises a plurality of containers, each of which containers is configured to accommodate cargo.

Optionally, the aerodrome assembly comprises an electro-voltaic panel on an exterior fagade of the aerodrome assembly.

Optionally, the electro-voltaic panel is located on the exterior of one or more of the plurality of modules.

Optionally, the aerodrome assembly comprises a static podium extending around the upper ring of each of the plurality of lift structure modules such that, together with the platform of each of the lift structure modules at the upper level, there is provided a planar deck.

Optionally, the platform of each lift structure module comprises a QR code on an upward facing surface of the platform for identification of the platform by an airborne aircraft approaching the aerodrome assembly. Optionally , the cargo transit apparatus is configured to transfer cargo in the form of a standardised cargo cradle between the plurality of lift structure modules.

Optionally, the cargo transit apparatus is configured to transfer the standardised cargo cradle into each locker via the inner aperture of the locker.

Brief description of the drawings

Embodiments of the disclosure are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a first specific embodiment of an aerodrome structure in accordance the disclosure and comprising a plurality of modules, including lift structure modules and cargo modules;

Figure 2 shows a second specific embodiment of an aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure and comprising a plurality of modules, wherein all of the plurality of modules are lift structure modules;

Figure 3 shows a highly schematic representation of a lift structure module in accordance with the disclosure with the platform at an upper level;

Figure 4 shows a highly schematic representation of the lift structure module of Figure 3 with the platform at an intermediate level;

Figure 5 shows a highly schematic representation of the lift structure module of Figures 3 and 4 with the platform at a base level;

Figure 6 shows an aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure comprising two adjacent lift structure modules; and

Figure 7 shows an aerodrome structure in accordance with the disclosure comprising a lift structure module and a cargo module. Detailed description

Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of an aerodrome structure 10 in accordance with the disclosure comprising a plurality of modules including a plurality of lift structure modules 100 and a plurality of cargo modules 200. In particular, Figure 1 shows an aerodrome structure 10 comprising 16 modules, of which eight are lift structure modules and eight are cargo modules.

Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of an aerodrome structure 10 in accordance with the disclosure comprising a plurality of modules, wherein all of the plurality of modules are lift structure modules 100. In particular, Figure 2 comprises four modules, all four of which modules are lift structure modules.

Figure 3 shows a highly schematic representation of a lift structure module 100 in accordance with the disclosure.

The lift structure module 100 comprises an upstanding structure 130, a platform 110 located within the upstanding structure 130 and a lift mechanism 120 configured to raise and lower the platform 110 between an upper level and at least one lower level.

The platform 110 provides a take-off and landing pad for a vertical take-off and landing aircraft 500 when the platform 110 is at the upper level 170, as shown in Figure 3.

In the arrangement of Figure 3, the lift structure module 100 also comprises elements of a cargo transit apparatus 140 configured to transfer cargo. The elements of cargo transit apparatus shown in Figure 3 may optionally be configured to cooperate with elements of cargo transit apparatus located in adjacent lift structure modules 100 (not shown) together forming or contributing to the cargo transit apparatus of the aerodrome structure 10.

In the arrangement of Figure 3, the cargo transit apparatus 140 comprises a passive apparatus by which cargo is transferred from the platform 110 to, for example, a matrix of cargo bins 145. The lift structure module 100 comprises an exterior structure 160 that may be continuous or discontinuous. In a scenario in which an exterior face of the exterior structure 160 abuts another lift structure module 100 or a cargo module 200, the exterior face may be discontinuous (such as a frame). In a scenario in which an exterior face of the exterior structure 160 is an exterior face of the aerodrome structure 10, the exterior face may be continuous.

The lift mechanism 120 may comprise any appropriate lifting apparatus. While the schematic figures show a scissor lift, the lift mechanism 120 is not to be understood as being limited to a scissor lift. For example, the lift mechanism 120 may comprise a link, a column or an integrated lift mechanism.

The upstanding structure 130 may be of any form appropriate to accommodate the lift mechanism 120. The upstanding structure 130 may be tubular. The upstanding structure 130 may comprise a skeleton frame that may or may not be infilled.

The lift structure module 100 may comprise an electric charger 150 configured to charge a VTOL aircraft that may be located on the platform 110.

Figure 4 shows the lift structure module 100 of Figure 3 with the platform at an intermediate level 180.

Figure 5 shows the lift structure module 100 of Figures 3 and 4 with the platform at a base level 190.

The base level 190 may be the lowermost position of the platform 110. The base level may or may not be at the base of the lift structure module 100. In the illustrated embodiments, the lift mechanism 120 extends above the base of the lift structure module 100 such that the base level 190 of the platform 110 is above the base of the lift structure module 100.

The base level 190 may be termed a first lower level 190 while the intermediate level 180 may be termed a second lower level 180. The lift structure module 100 may comprise any number of further additional lower levels.

The electric charger 150 may be located at or adjacent the base level 190. Figure 6 shows a pair of adjacent lift structure modules 100, wherein one is shown with the platform 110 at the upper level and the other is shown with the platform at the base level 190. While the pair of adjacent lift structure modules 100 are shown having the same interior parts, that may not be the case. For example, it may be that an electric charger is provided in some lift structure modules 100 and not in other lift structure modules 100.

Figure 7 shows an aerodrome structure 10 comprising a lift structure module 100 and a cargo module 200.

In the embodiment of Figure 7, the cargo module 200 comprises a cargo transit apparatus 220 in the form of a robot 220. The disclosure envisages any cargo transit apparatus, including any active cargo transit apparatus, any passive cargo transit apparatus and any combination of active and passive cargo transit apparatus. Furthermore, the highly schematic robot 220 shown in Figure 7 is intended to represent any form of robotic functionality. The cargo transit apparatus 220 may comprise any one or more of the following: a slide, a chute, a shaft, a tube, a conduit, a trough, a channel, a sluice, a funnel, a carousel, a conveyor, a belt, a wheeled robot, a static robot, or any other appropriate apparatus, either alone or in combination. The cargo transit apparatus 220 may further comprise a framework for supporting other elements of the cargo transit apparatus 220. For example, where the cargo transit apparatus 220 comprises a wheeled robot, the framework may comprise rails or guides for assisting or facilitating movement of the wheeled robot. Furthermore, the cargo transit apparatus may comprise a robot that is located substantially or entirely in the lift structure module 100.

The cargo module 200 comprises one or more package receptacles 210 on an exterior of the cargo module 200. The package receptacles 210 may be accessible from an exterior face of the cargo module 200. The package receptacles 201 may be accessible from an interior volume of the cargo module 200. The package receptacles 210 may be provided in the form of lockers. The package receptacles 210 may be provided in the form of containers that may be movable within the cargo module 200. The containers may be provided as a carousel arrangement whereby the carousel may be controlled to rotate through containers such that any chosen container may, at times, be accessible at the exterior of the cargo module 200 and, at the same or other times, may be accessible within the interior volume of the cargo module. Access to the package receptacles and/or the lockers may be provided by authentication functionality. For example, a mobile device with wireless functionality may facilitate such authentication. An app may be provided for use by a consumer to locate and unlock an appropriate receptacle or locker to facilitate retrieval of the contents.

The cargo module 200 further comprises one or more photovoltaic panels 230 on an exterior face of the cargo module 200.

Although not illustrated, a lift structure module 100 in accordance with the present disclosure may comprise one or more photovoltaic panels 230 and/or one or more package receptacles 210.

The cargo module 200 may comprise a plurality of levels. One or more of the plurality of the levels of the cargo module 200 may be configured to cooperate with one or more of the lower levels of the lift structure module 100.

Referring again to Figure 1, the aerodrome structure 10 may comprise a combination of lift structure modules and cargo modules. Alternatively, referring to Figure 2, the aerodrome structure 10 may comprise a combination of lift structure modules and no cargo modules.

The modules may be configured to cooperate with adjacent modules of a similar or identical specification. In this way, aerodrome structures may comprise different numbers of modules, perhaps depending on the locality, the available space and the demand. Moreover, aerodrome structures may be expanded at a later date by the addition of further modules, for example in the event of an increase in demand.

The plurality of modules may together form a tessellated structure.

The modular nature of the plurality of modules may mean that a variety of sizes of aerodrome structures 10 is realisable using an appropriate number of standard modules, without the need for a bespoke aerodrome structure to suit the specific setting. However, the modular nature of the arrangement may still enable a large variety of overall aerodrome structures even in a scenario when all modules are identical to each other. There may be modest variation between similar modules. For example, the lift structure modules 100 shown in Figure 6 are largely the same as that shown in Figures 3 to 5, except that in the Figure 6 example one exterior face of the exterior structure 160 of the lift structure module 100 is discontinuous (or possibly absent) in order to provide access to the adjacent module. By contrast, the equivalent exterior face of the exterior structure 160 of the lift structure module 100 of Figures 3 to 5 is continuous which may be particularly appropriate where the exterior face of the exterior structure 160 of the lift structure module 100 is arranged at an exterior of the entire aerodrome structure 10.

In the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, all modules have a square cross section (in a direction orthogonal to an axis of movement of the platform 110). In this way, each module is interchangeable with each other module, and is rotatable through 90 °, 180 ° or 270 ° without having any impact on any of the other modules. This increases the scope for flexibility in aerodrome architecture whilst retaining exactly the same constituent modules.

Other cross sectional shapes would also fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, a module may have a rectangular cross sectional shape, a triangular cross sectional shape or a hexagonal cross sectional shape.

In the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, all upstanding structures 130 are substantially cylindrical and all platforms 110 are substantially circular. Other shapes would also fall within the scope of the disclosure. For example, the platform may have a substantially polygonal shape (e.g. a hexagon) and the upstanding structure may have a corresponding hexagonal cross sectional shape orthogonal to the axis along which the platform is configured to raise and lower.

In the embodiments of Figures 1 and 2, the cross sectional shape of the platform 110 is coaxial with the cross sectional shape of the lift structure module 100 such that the (circular) platform 110 is located centrally relative to the (square) cross sectional shape of the lift structure module 100.

While the illustrated embodiments show an electric charger within the aerodrome structure 10, this is not essential. Furthermore, instead of or in addition to an electric charger, the aerodrome structure 10 may comprise a battery exchange facility and/or a hydrogen refuelling facility. Furthermore, any of these components, need not be located in the lift structure module 100 but could be present elsewhere within the aerodrome structure 10.

The disclosure also envisages a further embodiment (not illustrated) in which the lift structure module 100 comprises a plurality of platforms (which could also be described as a split/segmented platform) within the upstanding structure 130 wherein each can be raised or lowered independently of each other platform. In this way, more than one VTOL aircraft may be accommodated and raised/lowered independently within a single lift structure module 100.